A new book sharing the food stories of Queenstown Lakes will launch at events across the district next week. 

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) community partnerships manager Marie Day said ‘Community Kai Story - Tales of food, people and connection’, which has more than 25 contributors, was created as a tribute to the community.

“This beautiful book is filled with vibrant stories and local knowledge about how to grow, gather and care for our resources. It’s also filled with delicious recipes and personal food memories from those that live in our district,” she said.

“Kai is more than an essential basic need for life, it’s also a vital way we connect with others. We are really excited to share this with everyone involved and the wider community.”

The book will be for sale at upcoming launch events and all money raised will go to local food rescue charity KiwiHarvest, which redistributes good food that would otherwise have gone to waste to organisations supporting people in need.

QLDC resilience and climate action manager Bill Nicoll said the development of the book supports council’s work to improve the resilience of the local food system as a key action in the Queenstown Lakes Climate & Biodiversity Plan.

“We know that our local food system is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and major natural disaster events,” he said. “That’s why council is working in partnership with a wide range of organisations and community leaders across the district to develop a food resilience roadmap.

“This book celebrates the amazing progress being made and helps tell the story of how we can all contribute to a shared vision of a resilient, low-carbon, local food system.”

Community Kai Stories’ Wānaka launch will take place next Thursday (November 16) from 4pm-5.30pm at the Wānaka Community Hub.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to register in advance for catering purposes on the QLDC Facebook page.

“Everyone is welcome to join us at one of our book launch events to share kai, celebrate the efforts of everyone involved, and as a way of recognising all the superstar individuals and organisations who care deeply for our community,” Marie said.

PHOTO: Ray Tiddy Photography